Countless articles on every conceivable topic circulate on the Internet. But very few of these articles are of any use to the reader. Instead of providing help, they are full of errors, throw around technical terms or are simply wrong. But it is quite easy to write an article text that offers the user real added value. In this article you will read about how to write an article online.
The headline: the topic of the article in a nutshell
Article texts begin with a catchy headline that is optimized for search engines. This is the wrong place for stylistic devices or witty puns. Call the topic by its name. This way, your text will be listed in the search results and the reader will see at a glance whether the article interests him.
A practical example: If you read the headline “No light matter”, would you expect an article on the topic “Loading caravans properly”? No! The user doesn’t either. He wants to understand right away what information the article text contains. In the title, formulate what it’s all about: “How to load your caravan safely” is a catchy phrase that’s easy to understand. In the meta description, you specify your topic. It is displayed as a snippet in the search results and draws the reader into the text.
The teaser: don’t make false promises
In the teaser, you prepare the user for what he will learn in the text. Formulate a clear call-to-action like “Read here how to load your caravan properly.” You don’t need to create artificial suspense to draw the reader into the text. He’s scanning for information. When he clicks on your text, he is motivated to read it. Help him distinguish whether the article offers him answers to his questions. Important: Keep the expectations you create in the teaser. Otherwise, you risk that the reader will be disappointed and quickly bounce back.
The main part: don’t get off-topic
Limit your text to one or two significant aspects. Do not try to explain the topic in full. Too much background information in the article will overwhelm the reader. Rather, explain one aspect in detail instead of touching on many topics without giving the user any added value. Split the topics. Think about whether it makes sense to pack sub-aspects into separate article texts.
For example, subdivide the topic “Loading a caravan” into the articles “Packing a camper van for a weekend trip” and “How to save weight in a camper van”.
Stringently and logically sequence the individual sections. For example, first briefly explain the problem. Then state the effects and suggest solutions. Use clear and memorable bullet points. Always remember to emphasize how your proposed solutions will benefit the reader.
Research: the basis for every article
Take your time when researching and check your sources carefully. For example, refer to scientifically based studies or surveys. An interview with an expert is also a good idea. Direct quotes lighten up the text and convey competence. Make sure you follow the journalistic principle of check and re-check. This states that you should never rely on just one source. Check the information at least a second time.
You should also include links to further information in the text of your articles. Here, the reader can find out more about certain facts. In the best case, of course, link internally and externally to your website or corporate blog. In this way, you create synergy effects and offer the reader further relevant content.
Style and language in the article text
- Refrain from using technical terms or foreign words. If they cannot be avoided, explain them. As soon as the user has to look up a word, he may migrate to another page.
- Use keywords and optimize the text for search engines.
- Structure the article with subheadings. Use lists and bold important terms. This will help readers find the information they are looking for more quickly. But don’t overdo it with the highlighting, or you’ll have the opposite effect.
- Do not lecture the reader, but convey your knowledge sympathetically. Never give the user the feeling of being ignorant.
- Write at eye level and address your readers directly. It depends on the target group whether you address them by their first name or by their first name.
- Make it as easy as possible for the reader to understand the text. The best way to do this is through simple sentence structures. Avoid long, convoluted sentences.
- Stay factual and do not slip into colloquial language. This appears incompetent. The reader wants to be taken seriously with his problem.
If you really wish to learn how to write articles online that are worth reading, then become a premium member of Wealthy Affiliate. Benefit now for free from Wealthy Affiliate, a strong copywriting community that shares all copywriting secrets with you.